I don't understand why SketchArtist is getting so steamed up...
I think it has to do with asking for the money upfront BEFORE the video is shot.
This "sponsorship" crap started when everything went to the 'net, and producers found a way to fund their project off the backs of their fans/customers, with less potential loss if it doesn't sell..
Guys from the VHS days (like myself) tend to hate this.
Anyone see Catfight Report's attempt to arrange a match thru sponsorships between Ariel X and Shannon Kelley? It went something like this:
$500 raised, they wrestle in bikinis
$1,000 raised they wrestle nude
$5,000 raised and they wrestle nude with a foot worship at the end...LOL
After about a month he had raised a pitiful $125 and the page for it was gone.